A new multimedia journalism degree is being launched at the University of Teesside with the help of the Evening Gazette and parent company Trinity Mirror.

The new BA (Hons) Multimedia Journalism Professional Practice course will be taught in a purpose-built digital newsroom at the university, with direct links to the Gazette's Tera editorial system.

The programme leader is Andy Price, a former new media manager at Trinity Mirror, who helped develop the course with his old employer.

He said: "They have been really supportive in terms of the curriculum and ideas and the Evening Gazette here in Teesside has turned into more of a delivery partner."

The university is currently pursuing NCTJ accreditation, and it is hoped the first intake of trainees will begin the course in October next year.

Students will get a chance to work for the Gazette and will take the NCTJ preliminary exams in year one.

They will also study audio and video footage gathering and editing, web publishing and 2D animation, to produce collaborative multimedia news packages.

Gazette editor Darren Thwaites said: "This is a fantastic example of a university working closely with an employer to structure a degree course that meets the needs of a fast-changing industry.

"The growth of digital media makes this a hugely exciting time for journalism and we're pleased to be right at the forefront here in Teesside.

"It's absolutely essential we equip our budding journalists with the skills that will carry them well into their careers.

"Graduates of this course will be highly employable and we hope to keep many of them in the Tees Valley."

The university's head of media, Christa van Raalte, said: "We're very excited about this new degree, which brings together traditional journalism skills and the latest developments in news production. We have worked closely with the Gazette and look forward to bringing new opportunities to the area."

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